Deck 4: Social Structure and Interaction in Everyday Life

Question 1

The social structure is essential for a society, but is not an essential part of any particular individual's life.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Exiting a role is more difficult for some roles than for others.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Role performance always matches role expectations.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Role conflict and role strain are essentially the same thing.

Question 5

Within industrial and postindustrial societies, a person's occupation is a key defining characteristic.

Question 6

Many people spend a majority of their time within formal organizations.

Question 7

According to ethnomethodologists, interaction is based on assumptions of shared expectancies.

Question 8

Social encounters and social interaction have different meaning for people based on their status and previous experience.

Question 9

In order for a person to perform a role satisfactorily, he or she must have a commitment or attachment to the role.

Question 10

Role expectations tend to be very specific regardless of the type of status that they refer to.

Question 11

Achieved statuses have a significant influence on the ascribed statuses that we occupy.

Question 12

According to both Durkheim and Tӧnnies, social solidarity is impossible within industrialized societies.

Question 13

The same status symbol may convey different meaning depending upon the status of the person who has it.

Question 14

Even in adulthood, women are touched more frequently than men.

Question 15

Even today, a majority of homes in the United States lack access to the Internet.

Question 16

Impression management is equally important, regardless of the nature of the social interaction and the status of the participants.

Question 17

The expectations attached to any particular status depend on the person who occupies it at that time.

Question 18

The need for personal space appears to decrease as one ages.

Question 19

Social structure creates stability and order in a society, but also creates boundaries and establishes unequal relations between groups of people.

Question 20

Social networks function equally well for members of all social classes.

Question 21

A(n) __________ status is a social position conferred at birth or received involuntarily later in life, based on attributes over which the individual has little or no control, such as race/ethnicity, age, and gender.

A) ​achieved
B) ​central
C) ​ascribed
D) ​universal

Question 22

All of these statements about social structure are true, except______________________.

A) ​it is not essential for individual well-being
B) ​it is essential for the survival of society
C) ​it provides a web of familial support and social relationships
D) ​it connects individuals to the larger society

Question 23

A(n) __________ status is a social position a person assumes voluntarily as a result of personal choice, merit, or direct effort.

A) ​achieved
B) ​central
C) ​ascribed
D) ​universal

Question 24

Which of these is not an achieved status?

A) ​teacher
B) ​mother
C) ​sister
D) ​tennis coach

Question 25

The sociological term for any physical or social attribute or sign that devalues a person's social identity and disqualifies that person from full social acceptance is __________.

A) ​deviance
B) ​stigma
C) ​anomie
D) ​alienation

Question 26

__________ refers to the state of being part insider and part outsider in the social structure, such as that of immigrants who simultaneously share the life and traditions of two distinct groups.

A) ​Alienation
B) ​Stigmatization
C) ​Social marginality
D) ​Anomie

Question 27

Amber is a first grade teacher, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a Presbyterian, a soccer coach, and a Kansas resident. Taken together, all of these socially defined positions constitute her __________.

A) ​status grouping
B) ​status set
C) ​status category
D) ​status diagram

Question 28

Which of these is not considered one of the five traditional social institutions?

A) ​family
B) ​education
C) ​military
D) ​economy

Question 29

The mass media is an example of a(n) _______ institution.

A) ​traditional
B) ​evolving
C) ​primary
D) ​emergent

Question 30

Which of these statements about social structure is false?

A) ​Social structure gives us the ability to interpret the social situations we encounter.
B) ​A predictable social structure makes it easier to develop one's self-concept.
C) ​Social structure creates stability within society.
D) ​Social structure creates relationships that are generally equal.

Question 31

__________ theorists emphasize that social structure is essential because it creates order and predictability in a society.

A) ​Functionalist
B) ​Conflict
C) ​Symbolic interactionist
D) ​Premodern

Question 32

The sociological term for the process by which people act toward and respond to other people, and which is considered the foundation for all relationships and groups in society, is __________.

A) ​response patterns
B) ​social interaction
C) ​symbolic interactionism
D) ​structural functionalism

Question 33

Which of these is not generally considered a component of the social structure?

A) ​social institutions
B) ​social institutions
C) ​values and beliefs
D) ​social roles

Question 34

Social structure consists of all of these, except __________.

A) ​institutions
B) ​values
C) ​groups and organizations
D) ​status and roles

Question 35

At the __________, the social structure of a society has several essential elements: social institutions, groups, statuses, roles, and norms.

A) ​mesolevel
B) ​macrolevel
C) ​metalevel
D) ​microlevel

Question 36

__________ theorists maintain that in capitalistic societies, where a few people control the labor of many, the social structure reflects a system of relationships of domination and subordination.

A) Differential association
B) ​Symbolic interactionist
C) ​Conflict
D) ​Functionalist

Question 37

Jorge is a male born to Mexican American parents; he was assigned these positions at birth. He is an adult and-if he lives long enough-will someday become an "older adult," later in life. All of these are considered __________ statuses.

A) ​universal
B) ​achieved
C) ​central
D) ​ascribed

Question 38

Teacher, student, professional athlete, rock musician, and homeless person are all examples of __________.

A) ​roles
B) ​labels
C) ​statuses
D) ​classes

Question 39

Being homeless, having immigrant status, wearing a prison uniform, and having a visible physical disability are all examples of __________.

A) ​stigmas
B) ​social norms
C) ​anomie
D) ​role conflicts

Question 40

A __________ is a socially defined position in a group or society characterized by certain expectations, rights, and duties, and it exists independently of the specific people occupying the position.

A) ​role
B) ​label
C) ​status
D) ​class

Question 41

For any particular status, __________ refers to how a person actually behaves within her role.

A) ​role expectation
B) ​symbolic performance
C) ​role performance
D) ​status expectation

Question 42

Charles has a final exam in the evening at a time when he is supposed to be working.That same evening Stephanie (his girlfriend) wants him to take her to a movie. To top it off, his mother calls, asking him to fly home because his father is going to have emergency surgery. Sociologists would say that Charles is very likely experiencing __________.

A) ​role performance
B) ​role ambiguity
C) ​role conflict
D) ​role alienation

Question 43

__________ occurs when the expectations associated with a role are unclear.

A) ​Role expectation
B) ​Role relationality
C) ​Role ambiguity
D) ​Role alienation

Question 44

The expectations for being a college student include attending class, completing assignments, and being involved in campus activities. These expectations are an example of a __________.

A) ​status symbol
B) ​role
C) ​social status
D) ​status conflict

Question 45

Jane defines herself first and foremost as a student. For Jane, being a student is considered her _________ status.

A) ​ascribed
B) ​valued
C) ​conspicuous
D) ​master

Question 46

It is not always clear when the provider-dependent aspect of the parent-child relationship ends. Should it end at age 18 or 21? When a person is no longer in school? This is an example of __________.

A) ​role expectation
B) ​role performance
C) ​role alienation
D) ​role ambiguity

Question 47

A former business manager is between jobs and takes a job at a local retail store in order to make ends meet. In that position, she frequently talks about her previous work and her plans for the future. She doesn't want people to view her as a "clerk." Her behavior is an example of __________.

A) ​role ambiguity
B) ​role inconsistency
C) ​role distancing
D) ​role exiting

Question 48

Regardless of a person's other characteristics, which of these is most likely to become a stigmatized master status?

A) ​father
B) ​coach
C) ​homeless
D) ​male

Question 49

__________ occurs when people disengage from social roles that have been central to their self-identity.

A) ​Status rejection
B) ​Role ambiguity
C) ​Role exit
D) ​Role rejection

Question 50

Wearing a wedding ring proclaims that a person is married, owning a Rolls-Royce announces that one has "made it," and pushing a shopping cart is an indicator that one is homeless. These are examples of __________.

A) ​status symbols
B) ​conspicuous consumption
C) ​social capital
D) ​cultural capital

Question 51

When __________ occurs, we may feel pulled in different directions. We may prioritize our roles and first complete the one we consider to be most important. Or we may compartmentalize our lives and "insulate" our various roles.

A) ​role ambiguity
B) ​role strain
C) ​role performance
D) ​role conflict

Question 52

Recent research indicates that female student-athletes have their own ways of dealing with the "female/athlete paradox," which is an example of __________.

A) ​role conflict
B) ​role strain
C) ​status symbol
D) ​role expectation

Question 53

__________ refers to the conscious fostering of the impression of a lack of commitment or attachment to a particular role. It is clear one merely goes through the motions of role performance.

A) ​Role distancing
B) ​Role conflict
C) ​Role ambiguity
D) ​Role strain

Question 54

A __________ is a set of behavioral expectations associated with a given status.

A) ​position
B) ​character
C) ​value
D) ​role

Question 55

Which of these is the best illustration of the characterization of roles as relational?

A) ​It is not clear at what age children should no longer be expected to depend upon their parents for economic support.
B) ​In times of rapid social change, the roles for various positions become somewhat unclear.
C) ​One's role performance may not fit the role expectations for any particular status.
D) ​In order for a teacher to perform in that role, there must be at least one student.

Question 56

In regard to media stories about the problem of homelessness, __________ is the term for news stories that focus primarily on statistics about the homeless population and recent trends in homelessness.

A) ​sociological framing
B) ​semantic framing
C) ​thematic framing
D) ​episodic framing

Question 57

Cameron is a freshman at the local college. As a student, he is feeling pressure. He wants to party like the rest of his fraternity brothers, but at the same time, he wants to maintain his 4.0 grade point average. Sociologists would say that Jack is experiencing _________.

A) ​role conflict
B) ​role incompatibility
C) ​role reversal
D) ​role strain

Question 58

One's occupation is an indicator of level of education and income and may also reflect family background. In the United States, occupation is an important determinant of social position. This makes occupation a likely __________ status.

A) ​set
B) ​master
C) ​predetermined
D) ​ascribed

Question 59

__________ may focus on the problems of one homeless family, describing how the parents and kids live in a car and eat meals from a soup kitchen. These stories do not necessarily describe the larger context of homelessness.

A) ​Semantic framing
B) ​Thematic framing
C) ​Procedural framing
D) ​Episodic framing

Question 60

Marital inequality, conflict over parenting responsibilities, unclear expectations, and lack of emotional support may contribute to __________ for both men and women.

A) ​role conflict
B) ​status inconsistency
C) ​role strain
D) ​status frustration

Question 61

A __________ is a highly structured group formed for the purpose of completing certain tasks or achieving specific goals.

A) ​secondary organization
B) ​formal organization
C) ​social institution
D) ​social organization

Question 62

The family, religion, education, the economy, the government (politics), mass media, sports, science and medicine, and the military are all examples of __________.

A) ​social institutions
B) ​working groups
C) ​informal organizations
D) ​social associations

Question 63

The sociological term for a set of social relationships that link one individual to others is __________.

A) ​social solidarity
B) ​social support
C) ​social network
D) ​social institution

Question 64

Schools, churches, and corporations are examples of __________ groups.

A) ​secondary
B) ​acting
C) ​primary
D) ​informal

Question 65

Sociologists Emile Durkheim and Ferdinand Tӧnnies both________________________.

A) ​were interested in the economic system of a society
B) ​were both more concerned with change than with stability
C) ​developed typologies to explain change in the social structure of societies
D) ​analyzed interpersonal interaction

Question 66

__________ include our family, close friends, and school- or work-related peer groups.

A) ​Institutions
B) ​Secondary groups
C) ​Formal groups
D) ​Primary groups

Question 67

According to Durkheim, social solidarity in industrialized societies is sustained by________________________.

A) ​commonly held values and beliefs
B) ​mutual dependence established through the division of labor
C) ​the power of the elite to create social control
D) ​networks of family and friends

Question 68

__________, or cohesion, refers to a group's ability to maintain itself in the face of obstacles. It exists when social bonds, attractions, or other forces hold members of a group in interaction over a period of time.

A) ​Social networking
B) ​Social solidarity
C) ​Cultural bonding
D) ​Cultural diffusion

Question 69

Which of these is the best example of a primary group?

A) ​the people working together in the same department
B) ​a sociology class
C) ​a jury
D) ​the people at a bus station

Question 70

From the __________ perspective, social institutions are not organized for the common good of everyone.

A) ​postmodern
B) ​functionalist
C) ​conflict
D) ​symbolic interactionist

Question 71

__________ emphasize the role of social institutions in accomplishing essential tasks for society.

A) ​Conflict theorists
B) ​Functionalists
C) ​Symbolic interactionists
D) ​Postmodernists

Question 72

Which of these is the best example of a secondary group?

A) ​the people working together in the same department
B) ​a group of best friends
C) ​a parent and child
D) ​a sociology class

Question 73

Sociologist Helen Ebaugh concluded that role exit occurs in four stages, the first of which is __________, in which people experience frustration or burnout when they reflect on their existing roles.

A) ​a search for alternatives
B) ​the creation of a new identity
C) ​the turning point
D) ​doubt

Question 74

A __________ is a set of organized beliefs and rules that establishes how a society will attempt to meet its basic social needs.

A) ​group
B) ​social organization
C) ​social institution
D) ​working group

Question 75

Conflict and functionalist theorists are in agreement that______________________.

A) ​social institutions primarily serve the interests of the more powerful in a society
B) ​social institutions work for the common good of all in society
C) ​social institutions are originally organized to meet basic needs within society
D) ​all societies fulfill their basic needs in essentially the same ways

Question 76

__________ theorists do not believe that social institutions work for the common good of everyone in society. They emphasize that social institutions are most likely to meet the needs of those with the greatest amount of power in a society.

A) ​Conflict
B) ​Functionalist
C) ​Symbolic interaction
D) ​Postmodern

Question 77

As a theorist, Emile Durkheim was most interest in the question:____________________.

A) ​What holds societies together?
B) ​Who benefits from the structure of society?
C) ​What meanings do various symbols have for different groups of people?
D) ​What is the experience of women and others with lower status in society?

Question 78

Sociologists define a(n) __________ as a larger, more specialized group in which members engage in more impersonal, goal-oriented relationships for a limited period of time.

A) ​informal group
B) ​primary group
C) ​secondary group
D) ​institution

Question 79

Which of these is not part of the sociological definition of any group?

A) ​consists of two or more people
B) ​interactions are emotion-based
C) ​people who interact frequently
D) ​shares a feeling of interdependence

Question 80

Which of these statements about social networks is false?

A) ​Social networks include members of primary groups and secondary groups.
B) ​Social networks link individuals to others.
C) ​Social networks function differently for members of different categories of people.
D) ​Social networks work equally well for people of all social classes.